SPRUCE PINE — Dellinger’s Christian Book and Gift Shop on Lower Street in downtown Spruce Pine will soon close its doors permanently.
Owners and sisters-in-law Linda and Jewel Dellinger recently announced the news, adding that The Ark Church, currently housed on Upper Street, has plans for the building.
The two women’s husbands bought the building in 1986. Over the years, the shop specialized in gifts and decorative keepsakes. The shop also engraved Bibles and sold small jewelry pieces, among other things.
The two said closing the shop after so many years has been highly emotional.
“We have someone crying on us every day almost,” Linda Dellinger said. “People have been coming here forever.”
Linda and Jewel Dellinger both said being near retirement age is really the only reason for closing the shop. They added that the shop will have a sale to move remaining product but cleared up that it’s a retirement sale, not a closing sale.
The Dellingers said they will forever cherish the memories they forged over the years at the shop.
“You wouldn’t believe the people that come in and talk to us and share their problems,” Jewel Dellinger said. “It’s been a joy.”